Securely transporting cargo in shipping containers is vital. It impacts everything from business financial health to national security and the continuity of international trade.
Shipping container security is not an easy task, but a little preparation can reduce the risks of cargo loss and damage. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose the Right Container
Choosing the right container is crucial to secure transportation of your goods. There are many different container sizes to choose from, and the size you choose will depend on what kind of cargo you’re shipping and how much space it will take up in the container. Using the wrong container can result in damage to your cargo during transport. If you’re unsure what size container to use, consult with a professional transport and logistics company who can help you determine what size is best for your needs. There are also Shipping Containers for sale in Tulsa that you might be interested in.
Once you’ve determined what kind of container to use, it’s time to start packing your goods! This step can be tricky, as it’s important to ensure your goods are packed safely. Proper packing techniques will prevent your goods from becoming damaged during transit.
A common method of packing cargo in a container is using crates, which are usually created custom to the specific product being transported. Other containers are padded with dunnage, which is loose wood, matting, or other material used to cushion and protect cargo. Crates and dunnage are often used for fragile goods that need extra protection.
When packing a shipping container, it’s important to start with the largest and heaviest items first. This will allow you to pack in smaller and lighter items around them, which helps prevent shifting of the cargo during transportation.
It’s also important to note that every shipping container has a maximum weight capacity, so it’s important not to overfill the container. Overloading a container can cause damage to your goods during transport and may even lead to safety concerns.
When loading your goods, it’s also important to avoid storing any flammable or hazardous materials in your container. This is especially true for liquid chemicals, such as motor oil, propane tanks, paints, cleaning liquids, and aerosols. These materials can leak during transportation and cause damage to your goods, as well as pose a risk of fire. If you’re transporting flammable goods, make sure to package them in accordance with regulations and follow any special handling instructions provided by your freight company.
Pack Your Goods
When it comes to packing your shipment, quality matters. Taking your time and carefully packing items will ensure that your shipment is secure throughout the shipping process. This will also make it less likely that damage will occur during transit.
When packing, start by placing the heaviest items at the bottom of your container. This will prevent them from crushing lighter items during transport. Next, place in any additional padding needed to protect your goods. This can include bubble wrap, shredded paper, packaging peanuts, or air pillows. Make sure to wrap these around your goods and seal them securely with premium tape.
If you’re shipping liquids, ensure that they are properly sealed in their original container and then in a ziplock or poly bag. If your liquid is in a screw-top can or bottle, consider using those spring-steel lid retainer clips (3 or 4 work well) before sealing. Liquids that are in a glass bottle may need to be poured into another bottle before they are shipped to prevent spillage and leaking.
Avoid overpacking, which can add extra stress to the package and make it more prone to damage. This is especially important when shipping fragile or impressionable goods. Having too much pressure on your goods will cause them to break or change shape during transportation. It’s best to pack items until the box is full, but not so full that it can’t close.
If your goods are fragile, label them and include any necessary handling guidelines for the carrier. This will alert the carrier to handle the package with care and reduce the risk of damage. You should also reinforce the packaging with extra tape and a thick layer of cushioning to minimize damage during transit.
For oddly shaped goods, use dividers or cardboard partitions to separate the individual pieces. Foam inserts are another excellent cargo securing method for protecting your goods during transit. These are specially designed to fit the shapes of your goods, ensuring a tight fit. They also provide outstanding shock and vibration absorption while reducing the chance of movement during transport.
Secure Your Goods
If your shipping container has valuable goods inside, you want to ensure that they are secure during transportation. To do this, you can add extra security measures to the shipping container. These extra security features can make it harder for thieves to break in and steal the goods. For example, you can install a security system that will blare an alarm if a thief tries to break in. This can deter criminals from attempting to break in and will also notify authorities that the container has been tampered with.
Another way to secure your goods is by securing the container with lashing. Lashing is the process of fastening the shipping container to the vehicle that will transport it. Without proper lashing, your cargo could move around during transit, which can cause it to get damaged. To prevent this, you should always use a quality lashing jack and durable ropes and chains to fasten your shipping container.
You should also consider adding extra locks to your shipping container. It is important to invest in superior locks that are specifically designed for shipping containers. These types of locks have tempered steel shackles and anti-tamper characteristics, making it much more difficult for thieves to break into the container. You can also add extra safeguards to obstruct effortless entry to the locks, such as a lockbox or a security rod.
Finally, you should take the time to inspect your shipping container before you load it up with goods. You should be sure that the floor of the container is in good condition. If the floor is in poor condition, it can damage your belongings during transportation.
It is also a good idea to choose a route for your shipping container that has a good record of cargo security. Avoid routes that have a high risk of theft or tampering. Additionally, you should place your shipping container in a well-lit and conspicuous area with plenty of pedestrian traffic to help reduce the likelihood of it being targeted by thieves. Lastly, you should also install a tamper-evident seal on your shipping container to deter potential thieves from stealing your goods. These seals can be easily detected and will quickly alert authorities if there has been tampering or theft.
Transport Your Goods
Shipping containers are an essential piece of transport infrastructure. They are used to safely and reliably transfer cargo to ports worldwide, and they help keep world economies running smoothly. However, these containers need to be handled carefully and securely to ensure they remain intact during transit. The best way to do this is by working with a reputable container transport company that adheres to strict safety protocols and utilizes eco-friendly methods of transportation. In addition, you should be aware of the expected timelines for different types of transportation to ensure that your goods will be delivered on time and in good condition.
It is also important to properly secure your shipping container before you load it with cargo. This step is often overlooked, but it is crucial for ensuring that your cargo will not be damaged during transport. This includes making sure that your container is anchored to the vehicle it will be transported on. It is also recommended to use lashing to secure your container, as this will ensure that it doesn’t shift during transit. This will protect your cargo from damage, as well as the contents of other containers in transit.
Another important step is preparing the floor of your shipping container. This will ensure that your belongings are safe from water and dust damage. It is recommended to lay down a layer of plastic or cardboard on the floor before packing your goods in. Finally, it is also a good idea to pack your items with extra padding to prevent them from shifting during transport. This can be done by using strips of cardboard or other padding materials.
When loading your goods into a container, it is important to consider the weight of each item. Heavy items should be loaded towards the front of the container, while lighter items should be placed on top. It is also a good idea to place an empty box or padding between each item. This will reduce friction and shifting during transit, which can damage your goods.
Finally, before loading your cargo, it is a good idea to check for signs of tampering. This includes inspecting locks on each end of the container, as well as inside handles and hinges. If you find any signs of tampering, you should immediately report it to the authorities. It is also a good idea to inspect the outside of your container for any signs of rust or other damage.
